Pergola module

Abstract

A collapsible pergola or sunshade module 10 includes a pergola cover 14 mounted to a frame 12 and deployable from a stowed configuration relative to the frame to an extended configuration for providin

Description

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to pergolas that may be equipped with adjustable louvres. These pergolas offer control over shade and precipitation in outdoor spaces. INTRODUCTION

[0002] Traditional pergolas have been used to enhance outdoor living spaces by providing shade and a visually appealing structure. These structures typically consist of a framework of vertical posts supporting horizontal beams or lattice-work, forming an open-roofed structure. While such pergolas offer an inviting ambiance, they often lack versatility in terms of adaptability to different weather conditions and user preferences.

[0003] To address these limitations, various innovations have emerged in the field of pergola design. One notable advancement includes the integration of adjustable louvres within the pergola structure. These louvres are moveable slats or panels that can be adjusted to control the amount of light, shade, and ventilation entering the space beneath the pergola. By enabling the adjustment of louvres, users can customize their outdoor experience according to their specific requirements, such as protecting against direct sunlight, against precipitation and allowing for increased airflow, or ensuring privacy.

[0004] Despite the availability of louvred pergolas, several challenges and shortcomings persist. Traditional pergolas can be difficult and expensive to transport and install. Further, traditional pergolas can occupy significant outdoor space when not being used that could otherwise be employed. Therefore, there is a need for an improved outdoor pergola system that addresses these challenges and provides enhancements in terms of function, transportation and installation. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. SUMMARY

[0005] In a first aspect, a pergola module for use in an outside area is provided. The pergola module comprises a frame, and a pergola cover mounted to the frame. The pergola cover is deployable from a stowed configuration relative to the frame to an extended configuration for providing shelter.

[0006] The pergola module can thus be delivered in a stowed configuration and easily installed in any suitable outside location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The exemplary embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pergola module with a pergola cover in an extended position and a seating arrangement in a deployed configuration, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pergola module of FIG. 1, m accordance with various embodiments;

[0010] FIGS. 3 is a front view of the pergola module of FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective, cut-away view of the pergola module of FIGS 1, 2 and 3, with the pergola cover in an extended position and the seating arrangement in a stored configuration, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a front view of the pergola module of FIGS. 1 to 4 with the pergola cover in a stowed configuration, in accordance with various embodiments; and

[0013] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the pergola module of FIGS. 1 to 5 with the pergola cover in the extended configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a pergola module 10 for use in an outside area is exemplified. The pergola module 10 includes a frame 12 defining sidewalls 20 connected to a top wall 22 and a rear wall 24. A pergola cover 14 is mounted to the frame and is deployable from a stowed configuration (see FIG. 5) relative to the frame 12 to an extended configuration (see FIG. 1) for providing shelter. In the stowed configuration, the pergola cover 14 provides a front wall to the pergola module 10. Thus, in the stowed configuration, the pergola module 10 takes on a box form wherein the frame 12 and the pergola cover 14 form a closed box. This stowed configuration is convenient for transportation, installation and saving space when not in use.

[0016] Comparing FIGS. 1 and 5, the pergola cover 14 is horizontal in the extended configuration and vertical in the stowed configuration. Any mechanism may be used to support the pergola cover 14 in the extended configuration such as telescopic legs at front corners of the pergola cover 14. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the pergola cover 14 is cantilevered relative to the frame 12 and supported by hydraulic arms 28 in the extended configuration. The hydraulic arms 28 may be gas struts and extend diagonally between the frame 12 and an intermediate position along the pergola cover 14. The pergola cover 14 is rotatably mounted (e.g by any suitable hinge mechanism) to the frame 12 so as to be deployable between the stowed configuration and the extended configuration by rotation.

[0017] The sidewalls 20, and maybe also the rear wall 24, may be comprised by removable or non-removable panels, which may be made of wood or glass. Alternatively, openable and closeable blinds may be provided. Advantageously, the sidewalls 20 and rear wall 24 are substantially watertight so that any contents m an internal volume of the pergola module do not get wet because of precipitation when the pergola cover 14 is in the stowed configuration (and the louvres 16 are closed).

[0018] The pergola cover 14 includes louvres 16 that are adjustable to alter a sheltering effect of the pergola cover. The louvres 16 are not essential and other forms of providing a sheltering effect can be provided such as an awning. However, an ability to re-position slats of the louvres 16 to adjust an amount of shelter provided between 90° (fully open) and 0° (fully closed) is considered desirable. The louvres may be adjusted by a manual actuator (e.g. a crank or other handle) or by a motor. The motorized form may be controlled through a remote controller or through an electronic control panel mounted to the frame 12 (or both). The louvres 16 are each rotatably mounted to a rectangular pergola cover frame.

[0019] The frame 12 and the pergola cover frame may be made of any sufficiently strong and lightweight material such as aluminum (or aluminum alloy) or other metals and metal alloys.

[0020] In some embodiments, the frame 12 provides a storage volume therein (which may include compartments or shelves or other storage supporting structures) that is in box form and can be opened and closed by moving the pergola cover 12 between the stowed and extended configurations. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the pergola module 10 includes a seating arrangement 18 included in a storage volume defined by the frame 12. The seating arrangement is protected from weather (e.g precipitation) when the pergola cover 14 is closed as the seating arrangement 18 is fully contained within a weather proof enclosure including the sidewalls 20, the top wall 22, the rear wall 24 and the pergola cover 14. The seating arrangement 18 is rotatably mounted (by and suitable hinge mechanism) to the frame 12 and rotatable relative to the frame between stored (see FIG. 4) and deployed configurations (see FIG. 1). The seating arrangement is vertical in the stored configuration and horizontal in the deployed configuration. An exemplary mechanism allowing the rotation movement would be a Murphy bed type installation but other mechanisms could be used. The seating arrangement is provided in a U-shaped form with two sets of seats extending from a base seat. Seat cushions and back supporting cushions may be removed when storing the seating arrangement 18 or they may be moved into the vertical form along with remainder of the seating arrangement 18. The seating arrangement 18 (excluding the cushions) may be made of wood or metal (or metal alloy) such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. Movement of the seating arrangement 18 between the stored and deployed configuration may be facilitated by piston lifts or torsion springs. Deployment of the seating arrangement may be performed manually or by motorization and controlled through a remote controller or a control panel (as discussed above with respect to the louvres 16).

[0021] The pergola module 10 may include a light arrangement 26 to light the interior volume and / or the seating arrangement. The light arrangement 26 may be controlled through a remote controller or a control panel and may include dimming and / or directional controls as well as on / off controls.

[0022] The electrical power drawing components of the pergola module 10 may be battery (replaceable or rechargeable) powered, solar powered (with supporting charge storage device) or mains powered (with supporting plug / cabling).

[0023] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A pergola module for use in an outside area, the pergola modulecomprising:a frame; anda pergola cover mounted to the frame and deployable from a stowed configuration relative to the frame to an extended configuration for providing shelter.

2. The pergola module of Claim 1, wherein the pergola cover is horizontal in the extended configuration and vertical in the stowed configuration.

3. The pergola module of Claim 1, wherein the pergola cover comprises louvres.

4. The pergola module of Claim 3, wherein the louvres are adjustable to alter a sheltering effect of the pergola cover.

5. The pergola module of Claim 1, wherein the frame and the pergola cover form a closed box when the pergola cover is in the stowed configuration.

6. The pergola module of Claim 1, wherein the frame provides a storage volume therein.

7. The pergola module of Claim 1, wherein the pergola cover is rotatably mounted to the frame so as to be deployable between the stowed configuration and the extended configuration by rotation.

8. The pergola module of Claim 1, comprising a seating arrangement included in a storage volume defined by the frame.

9. The pergola module of Claim 8, wherein the seating arrangement is rotatably mounted to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame between stored and deployed configurations.

10. The pergola module of Claim 9, wherein the seating arrangement is vertical in the stored configuration and horizontal in the deployed configuration.

11. The pergola module of Claim 8, wherein the seating arrangement is, in thestored configuration, disposed within a box form defined by the frame and closed by the pergola cover.

12. The pergola module of Claim 1, wherein the frame defines sidewalls connected to a top wall and a rear wall and the pergola cover provides a front wall when in the stowed configuration.

13. The pergola module of Claim 12, wherein the pergola cover is mounted to the frame at a location adjacent the top wall.

14. The pergola module of Claim 1 comprising a lighting arrangement.

15. The pergola module of Claim 1, wherein the pergola cover is cantileveredrelative to the frame and supported by hydraulic arms in the extended configuration.

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